The consortiums still involved in the race to buy Chelsea have been warned not to make any more open statements amid concerns the final stages of the process could descend into a distasteful public battle.
It is understood Raine, the merchant bank advising the Premier League club with the sale, has advised the four groups shortlisted to take over at Stamford Bridge to refrain from making public declarations in the coming days to ensure the remainder of the process does not turn unsavoury.
The battle for the Blues will intensify over the next two weeks as Raine, Chelsea and the UK Government decide which offer is selected as the preferred bidder.